Good Times Go Too Fast

On the way up Puzzle Mountain - that is Old Speck to the right.

I was in Peru to help with the farm and my brother was in Rumford.  I went for a bike ride around the Peru ATV trails and told Mike not to wait for me but that I would meet him somewhere on Puzzle.  He made it to the summit and I made it to the ledge clearing and waited there.  He came down from there and we hiked out together, heading to Deep Hole for a good swim after the humid hike.  Just like old times.  No near death experiences at Deep Hole this time though - those were for when I was 16 and easily urged out of my comfort zone.  Now I know the risks I want to take - know them for sure.  

The next day we headed to Gorham, NH to Moose Creek State Park.  My friend Aaron, who is my WFA instructor, is an avid mountain biker and told me about these trails (he helps to build them).  Well worth the trip!  The trails were windy, rooty, rocky and fun - and HUMID.  Theme of the summer - humidity.  This pic below would have been far better had I wiped the condensation off the lens before shooting - but I had to include it anyway. 

THIS is what the trails look like through a clear lens - they are sweet.  Can't wait to head back there!

Em and I have been hiking every Wednesday.  We flew up Mt. Blue on this particular Wednesday.  The trail was psycho busy, not what I am used to at all.  But it was a crisp, clear day - one that was cool enough to leave me feeling like an idiot for not bringing my winter hat and gloves.  Thankfully I've trained Em well and she spotted me both.  Nice morning.

Vin Dixel in the sunlight.

Looking toward Dixfield - Bald, Saddleback, Sugarloaf - all of Weld/Dixfield.

One of the last nights of Mike's trip.  We had a kicking bonfire.  All I have to do is ask my dad and he is on it.  He loves to build and sit around fires.  We had a few drinks and shared some laughs.

The next day was our last big family day together.  My sister and I planned, organized and brought all the food so my mom and dad could just relax.  I made breakfast and it was almost completely Maine Made.  I used Maine buckwheat, Maine buttermilk (Kate's), Maine blueberries, Maine maple syrup (duh!) and made killer buckwheat pancakes.  So good!  An old neighbor was in the 'hood (he had slept out on White Cap - god, I love the people I grew up with and around) so he swung by for a nice visit.  Great to see him.  From there much eating and playing ensued.  Jule brought local beef burgers - we had salads and all the fixins.  We played whiffle and bocci ball.  It was a great day.

These two are buds.

And these two are definitely buds - genetically too.  My sister is wearing my pants and my mom's Sunday River fleece - seriously oh petite one, wear your own clothes so you are not swimming in them : )

My mother came ALIVE during this game - so into it!  Jule hated it but made about the best of it as I did whiffle ball.

These two jokers came up with this game - Jim throws the whiffle ball over Kylie's head and in front of her while standing behind her.  She was supposed to swing and connect - I think it would have worked a little better if her eyes were open.

Then big brother wanted in.  He was equally unsuccessful.

She had to stop in the MIDDLE of her turn to go get her wine - seriously, bocci is not that bad!

I wish I had taken more photos while Mike was home.  I wanted a family photo, but my sister would not do it - what a pain.  So now it is definitely our (Jim's and my) turn to get out to Montana.  Gotta save the pennies and wrack my brain for someone I would leave Dixie with - no small task on either end, but it's gotta be done.